University of Malaya (UM)

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Institution Profile

The University of Malaya (UM) was the first university established in Malaya on 8 October 1949 with the merger of the King Edward VII College of Medicine (established in 1905) and the Raffles College (established in 1928).

Its establishment accelerated the advancement of education in Malaya and led to the founding of two autonomous branches in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in 1959.In order to enhance higher education in both countries, there was a need to upgrade the branches to national university status. Thus, with the passing of the Parliament Act in 1961, the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur became a national university.

The University of Malaya, as it is known today, was officially recognised as a national university on 1 January 1962. Its initial objective to provide tertiary education to the people of Malaysia has successfully produced leaders and intellectuals in a range of disciplines. In line with the myriad of educational transformations that Malaysia has been undergoing, UM has continually stepped up its efforts to meet its vision of becoming an internationally renowned institution of higher learning in research, innovation, publication, and teaching.

To achieve this vision, UM is supported by the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), the biggest and first research teaching hospital in Malaysia, two academies, 12 faculties, four institutes, and three centres of excellence that comprehensively encompass medicine, science, technology, the social sciences and the humanities. In addition, six research clusters have been established to place the university at the forefront of new knowledge and discoveries. The thrust of its contribution to academia as well as society is through teaching, research, publication, innovation, and commercialisation.

On 11 October 2006, UM was recognised by the Ministers Council as a research university among five public universities. On 26 January 2012, UM was granted a status of autonomy by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). The Malaysian Research Assessment Instrument II (MyRA II) placed UM as 'the Best Research University in Malaysia' on 1 December 2013.

With the nation’s aspirations as its guide, UM continues to strengthen its status in the academic world, both within the country and internationally. It has been ranked 133rd in the 2016 QS World University Ranking and 27th in the 2016 QS Asian University Ranking. UM is also the only university in Malaysia listed in the top 400 Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong, China. These accomplishments have endorsed UM as the best university in Malaysia. On 6 May 2014, another international recognition was achieved when UM became the only institution of higher learning in the country to be awarded a 5 star rating by the QS Stars Ratings. UM has also been named as a University of Choice by the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand for seven consecutive years from 2007 until 2013.With that record, UM was awarded the Platinum Award for the Public University Category on 27 May 2014.

UM has collaborated with renowned research institutes and universities from 71 countries. Some of its active global partners are:

University of Cambridge

Harvard University

Kyoto University

University of Sydney

Queen Mary, University of London

Queen’s University, Belfast

Beijing Foreign Studies University

Tsinghua University

National University of Singapore

National Taiwan University

Yale University

University of Hyderabad

Another landmark was in February 2010 when the University of Malaya High Impact Research (UM HIR) was established. Fundamental research lead of Tier 1 ISI/WoS publications was supported by RM10 million from internal fund. Recognising the importance of UM as a premier research institution in the country, MoHE allocated RM590 million into the UM-MOHE HIR programme for a period of five years from August 2011 until June 2016.

The HIR Committee was formed to ensure the objective of the HIR Programme is achieved by 2016 and assisted by several distinguished scientists who have been appointed as members of the UM HIR Advisory Council. Council members will advise the university in matters related to high impact research priority areas, including conducting joint research between their own institutions and UM.

UM has attained accreditations from many institutions and professional bodies, such as Washington Accord, Institution of Chemical Engineers UK, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Association of Building Engineers, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales, Certified Practicing Accountants of Australia, SMBG-Eduniversal France, Royal College of Surgeons of England UK, Institute of Physics & Engineering in Medicine UK, Association of MBA, UK and many others to ensure the university’s curriculum meets national and international needs, indicating that our programmes are relevant globally relevant.

UM is committed to lead the nation in research and innovation and to be one of the top 100 universities in the world by 2020. Thus far with the above achievements, UM is committed in leading the nation to even greater heights in the coming years.

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Key Personnel

Professor Dato' Dr Mohd Amin Jalaludin

Vice-Chancellor, University of Malaya (UM)

Professor Dato' Dr. Mohd Amin Jalaludin commenced his position as the Vice-Chancellor of University of Malaya (UM) on 8 November 2013. Prior to this appointment, he held the position of the Head of Department of Otorhinolaryngology from October 1996 until January 2000. He was then promoted to the position of Associate Professor in June 1996 and Professor on the 20 January 2000. In the following month, he was appointed as the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, UM and became the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in April 2000. Mohd Amin was appointed Director of the UM Medical Center in June 2000. On 1 August 2006, he was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International) of UM by the Ministry of Higher Education.

After completing his studies at English College, Johor Bahru, Johor, he pursued his higher education in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at UM from 1977 to 1982. He started off his academic career as a lecturer in the field of Otorhinolaryngology on 1 September 1983. UM sent him to study and work at the Royal Infirmnary Edinburgh, Scotlan from 1988 till 1990 and he had obtained a Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh in 1989. He was trained by Professor AG Maran to be an expert in Otorhinolaryngology and also in the area of head and neck surgery. Mohd Amin was a Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School in 1994 and also a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine in June 1996. In June 2012, he was admitted as Fellow of the Academy of Science, Malaysia.

As an academic, Mohd Amin has contributed extensively in research and in the medical profession. He has conducted research in the areas of otology (head and neck surgery), laryngology, and otorhinolaryngology. These and other works have been published in more than 70 journal papers and 36 conferences and seminars and other publications. He has also been actively involved in many professional medical committees and he is currently the President of the Asian Federation Laryngectomee Association (AFLA), and Honorary Medical Advisor of the Spastic Children's Association of Selangor and Federal Territory. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, Scotland, and Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, USA.

Student Testimonials

Ardit Llazani, Albania

Master of Science Computer

It’s been a great experience studying at UM. It has a wonderful environment for studying and I love the diversity of cultures and kindness of the local people.

Hesham Mahyoub S. Al-Mekhlafi , Republic of Yemen

PhD/Medical Science, 3 Years

I am really proud of studying at the University of Malaya, Malaysia’s premier and most prestigious
university. In addition to the high quality of education and world-class facilities, studying at UM provides me precious
experience in becoming a good manager capable of balancing academic and research responsibilities with social
commitments and activities. The University’s multicultural context has enriched my character, both professionally
and socially. Having friends from more than 70 countries is the best experience that any student can enjoy at
University of Malaya.

Mohamed Khadar Ismail Hagi, Somali

MBA-Finance, 2 Years

When I first saw the tag-line “Malaysia, Truly Asia”, I asked myself, how come Malaysia is truly Asia,
when there are many other countries like China and India. However, when I arrived in Malaysia, particularly at the
University of Malaya, I realized that Malaysia is indeed truly Asia. This is where you can fi nd all the major races in
Asia: Chinese, Indian and Malay. This mix of people and culture makes this country one of the most exciting places
to study.

With a high rating and good facilities for research, there was no doubt I wanted to come to UM. It is like coming to my
new “second” home: a warm and relaxed atmosphere. After spending two years here, I never regretted my decision.
I will be graduating with an MBA-Finance this semester and I have enjoyed the challenges of my study.

Nereida Mehmeti, Albania

Undergraduate

My experience here has been very special. I will never forget coming to Malaysia and the University of Malaya. I have been here since 1996 and I can now speak Bahasa fluently. I think the campus is a truly multicultural and unique learning place.

Remy Jaeggi, Switzerland

Master in Business Administration

I chose UM for my studies because of its strategic location. It is so near to all the attractions in Kuala Lumpur. Even when I’m not studying, I sometimes go into the campus to jog or cycle at night, and I never have to worry because the campus is pretty safe.

Saleh Idriss Ibrahim, Nigeria

I find the University of Malaya to be an outstanding and unique university. English is widely spoken and most students can converse in English very well. Malay or Bahasa Malaysia is the medium of instruction for most courses and I think, this provides a good learning experience for foreign students to add to their linguistic knowledge.There are also very good lecturers who are qualified and experts in their respective fields. This makes the University one of the best in Malaysia which is recognised internationally. The lecturers’ leniency and willingness and assist students helps reduce pressure and stress.The University occupies a unique and strategic place in the midst of the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. The campus environment is also very conductive in terms of weather, transportation, restaurants, and cooperative staff.The main library has a very big collection of books. The materials are up-to-date and the services provided are computerised and efficient. I have really enjoyed my experience at the University of Malaya.

Stephen Schaffer, Austria

Postgraduate

I chose UM because UM it is such a big and well-established university. It’s also one of the most highly ranked universities in Asia. The facilities are excellent with good Internet and IT accessibility. I highly recommend if for those who seek a challenging learning environment.

Veronika Kutikova, Slovakia

Research Assistant

Besides the fantastic facilities and friendly staff, what I love about the campus is that it is so green. There are so many trees, palms and vegetation. It’s really relaxing after a full day of studying!